Established on 30 November 1981 by the General Assembly of the United Nations through Resolution 36/67, the International Day of Peace stems from the desire to create a day of world peace and non-violence.
When we think of peace, we often initially envision a world without armed conflicts. However, peace is much deeper than this simple definition. It represents a complex concept that encompasses harmony, cooperation, social justice, and peaceful coexistence among individuals of different cultures, nationalities, and personal identities. In the context of the contemporary world, global challenges remind us of the crucial importance of collaborating to establish a balance aimed at brotherhood among nations. Challenges related to climate change, pandemics, migrations, and armed conflicts compel us to recognise a fundamental interconnected reality for the well-being of our future. Peace thus becomes an essential goal for effectively and sustainably addressing these challenges.
Living in Perugia provides the opportunity to directly engage with one of the most significant events aimed at promoting peace: the Perugia-Assisi Peace March. This annual event, promoted by the Community of Sant'Egidio, brings together social figures from every corner of the world to discuss peace-related issues. It represents a unique occasion to promote dialogue and unity among the diversities that characterise us as human beings. This year, the March offers us the opportunity to contemplate current challenges and consider our potential contribution to global peace promotion. The event will take place on May 21st, starting at 9:00 AM from the Frontone Gardens in Perugia and ending at the Rocca Maggiore in Assisi at 3:00 PM.
We, as international students, play a crucial role in promoting peace. Our opportunities and experiences, including immersion in new cultures and the possibility to build connections with people from around the world, enable us to act as ambassadors of peace through dialogue and mutual understanding. There is no need to wait to become world leaders to contribute to peace. Small acts of kindness, respect for cultural differences, and active involvement in volunteer projects can make a difference. Always remember that every small action counts in the effort to promote a more peaceful and inclusive world. Be ambassadors of peace in your communities, in your daily lives, and in the small realities that surround you because, as Gandhi stated: “You must be the change you want to see in the world”.